What are the common causes of spinal stenosis. How is spinal stenosis diagnosed. What are the latest treatment options for spinal stenosis. How can UT Southwestern’s Spine Center help patients with spinal stenosis.

Understanding Spinal Stenosis: A Comprehensive Overview

Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This narrowing can occur in different regions of the spine, including the neck (cervical spinal stenosis), the middle of the spine (thoracic stenosis), or the lower spine (lumbar stenosis). While many individuals with spinal stenosis may not experience symptoms, others may suffer from pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck or back.

Types of Spinal Stenosis

• Cervical spinal stenosis (neck)
• Thoracic stenosis (middle spine)
• Lumbar stenosis (lower spine)

The UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Spine Center offers expert care for all types of spinal stenosis, providing patients with access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists and the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies available.

Causes and Risk Factors of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis can be caused by various factors, including injuries and certain medical conditions. Understanding these causes can help in prevention and early intervention.

Common Causes of Spinal Stenosis

• Osteoarthritis
• Scoliosis
• Spinal injuries
• Herniated discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Thickened ligaments
• Spinal tumors

Are certain individuals more prone to developing spinal stenosis? Age is a significant risk factor, as the condition is more common in people over 50. Other risk factors include genetics, previous spine injuries, and occupations that put excessive stress on the spine.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

While some individuals with spinal stenosis may be asymptomatic, others can experience a range of symptoms that can significantly impact their quality of life. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.

Common Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
• Weakness in extremities
• Difficulty walking or balancing
• Bladder or bowel dysfunction (in severe cases)

Can the symptoms of spinal stenosis vary depending on the affected area of the spine? Indeed, the location of the stenosis can influence the nature and severity of symptoms. For instance, cervical stenosis may cause symptoms in the neck, shoulders, and arms, while lumbar stenosis typically affects the lower back, buttocks, and legs.

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques for Spinal Stenosis

At UT Southwestern’s Spine Center, a comprehensive approach to diagnosis ensures accurate identification of spinal stenosis and its underlying causes. The diagnostic process typically begins with a thorough physical examination and medical history review, followed by advanced imaging studies and tests.

Diagnostic Tools and Procedures

1. X-rays
2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
3. Computed Tomography (CT) scan
4. Bone scans
5. Myelography
6. Nerve conduction studies

How do these diagnostic techniques help in developing a personalized treatment plan? Each of these tests provides unique insights into the condition of the spine, allowing specialists to pinpoint the exact location and severity of the stenosis. This detailed information is crucial for tailoring treatment strategies to each patient’s specific needs.

Cutting-Edge Treatment Options for Spinal Stenosis

UT Southwestern’s Spine Center offers a wide range of treatment options for spinal stenosis, from conservative approaches to advanced surgical techniques. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition, the patient’s overall health, and their personal preferences.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Cortisone injections
• Biofeedback
• Lifestyle modifications

Surgical Interventions

• Laminectomy
• Foraminotomy
• Spinal fusion
• Endoscopic surgery for herniated discs

What makes UT Southwestern’s approach to spinal stenosis treatment unique? The Spine Center is one of only a few U.S. programs offering endoscopic surgery for the treatment of herniated discs, which can be a potential cause of spinal stenosis. This minimally invasive technique can lead to faster recovery times and reduced postoperative pain for eligible patients.

The Multidisciplinary Approach at UT Southwestern’s Spine Center

At UT Southwestern Medical Center, patients benefit from a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to spinal stenosis care. This collaborative model brings together experts from various specialties to provide holistic, patient-centered treatment.

The Spine Center Team

• Neurosurgeons
• Orthopaedic surgeons
• Pain management specialists
• Physiatrists
• Physical therapists
• Radiologists

How does this multidisciplinary approach benefit patients with spinal stenosis? By bringing together experts from different fields, the Spine Center can offer a more comprehensive evaluation of each patient’s condition. This collaborative approach allows for the development of tailored treatment plans that address all aspects of the patient’s spinal health, potentially leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

Innovative Research and Clinical Trials in Spinal Stenosis

UT Southwestern is at the forefront of spinal stenosis research, conducting clinical trials aimed at improving treatment outcomes and patient care. These studies offer patients the opportunity to access cutting-edge therapies and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge.

Current Research Focus Areas

• Novel surgical techniques
• Advanced imaging technologies
• Regenerative medicine approaches
• Pain management strategies
• Comparative effectiveness of treatment options

How can patients benefit from participating in clinical trials? Participation in clinical trials can provide access to innovative treatments that may not be widely available. Additionally, patients in clinical trials often receive close monitoring and comprehensive care from a team of specialists. However, it’s important to note that participation is voluntary, and patients should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare providers.

Living with Spinal Stenosis: Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Care Strategies

While medical treatments are essential for managing spinal stenosis, lifestyle modifications and self-care strategies can play a crucial role in improving symptoms and overall quality of life. The Spine Center at UT Southwestern provides comprehensive patient education to empower individuals in managing their condition effectively.

Recommended Lifestyle Changes

• Regular exercise and stretching
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Proper posture and body mechanics
• Ergonomic workplace modifications
• Stress management techniques

Self-Care Strategies

• Heat and cold therapy
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Assistive devices (e.g., canes, walkers)
• Pacing activities to avoid overexertion
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

Which self-care strategies are most effective for managing spinal stenosis symptoms? The effectiveness of self-care strategies can vary from person to person. However, many patients find relief through a combination of regular exercise, proper posture, and the use of heat or cold therapy. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized self-care plan that addresses your specific needs and symptoms.

The Future of Spinal Stenosis Treatment: Emerging Technologies and Techniques

As medical science advances, new technologies and techniques are emerging that hold promise for improving the diagnosis and treatment of spinal stenosis. UT Southwestern’s Spine Center is committed to staying at the forefront of these developments, ensuring patients have access to the most advanced care available.

Emerging Technologies in Spinal Stenosis Care

• Artificial intelligence in imaging and diagnosis
• 3D-printed implants for spinal reconstruction
• Stem cell therapies for regenerative treatment
• Robotic-assisted surgical procedures
• Virtual reality for pain management and rehabilitation

How might these emerging technologies change the landscape of spinal stenosis treatment in the coming years? These advanced technologies have the potential to revolutionize spinal stenosis care by improving diagnostic accuracy, enhancing surgical precision, and offering new non-invasive treatment options. As these technologies continue to develop and undergo clinical testing, they may lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies, potentially reducing recovery times and improving long-term outcomes for patients with spinal stenosis.

In conclusion, the UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Spine Center offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of spinal stenosis. By combining expert care, advanced technologies, and cutting-edge research, the center provides patients with access to the most current and effective treatments available. Whether through conservative management, surgical intervention, or participation in clinical trials, patients with spinal stenosis can find hope and healing at UT Southwestern.

Spinal Stenosis | Spine Center | Condition

At UT Southwestern Medical Center, the expert team of doctors in the Spine Center specializes in all available evidence-based treatments for spinal stenosis – both medical and surgical.

Our multidisciplinary approach gives patients access to neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, pain management specialists, and physiatrists with one call. We strive to coordinate, facilitate, and expedite patient care and save our patients time.

Our Spine Center is one of only a few U.S. programs offering endoscopic surgery for the treatment of herniated discs – a potential cause of spinal stenosis.

About Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing in the spine that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. The condition can occur in the neck (cervical spinal stenosis), the middle of the spine (thoracic stenosis), or the lower spine (lumbar stenosis).

Spinal stenosis can be caused by injuries and diseases such as osteoarthritis and scoliosis.

Many people have no symptoms, but some people experience pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck or back.

The Spine Center offers our patients the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies and techniques for spinal stenosis, such as specialized spine imaging.

Diagnosing Spinal Stenosis

If we suspect spinal stenosis, we’ll conduct a physical examination and order additional testing. Tests, procedures, and spine imaging studies used to diagnose spinal stenosis can include:

• Bone scans
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Myelography
• Nerve conduction studies to measure electrical activity generated by muscles and nerves
• X-rays

Spinal Stenosis Treatments

After diagnosis, we’ll make sure patients see the right experts to treat their specific symptoms. Our Spine Center specialists treat spinal stenosis with therapies that include:

• Anti-inflammation drugs
• Biofeedback
• Cortisone injections
• Physical therapy
• Surgery

We’ll create a care plan that minimizes the number of visits a patient needs to make, while also providing all the support needed.

Research and Clinical Trials

UT Southwestern conducts clinical trials aimed at improving the treatment of spinal stenosis. Talk with our doctors to see if a clinical trial is available.

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Kathleen Cunningham was a competitive ballroom dancer for many years, but acute back pain made it nearly impossible for her to keep moving to the music. So she turned to UT Southwestern’s Spine Clinic and specialist Kavita Trivedi, D.O., for relief and some answers about “what to do now.” Together, they partnered on a comprehensive spine care plan that includes physical therapy, an exercise program, medication, and targeted injections. And now Mrs. Cunningham is back on the dance floor and waltzing through life again – with grace and confidence.

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Back pain – treatment, symptoms, causes, diagnosis

Contents

• Video
• Causes of disease
• Risk factors
• Symptoms of disease
• Diagnostics
• Treatment

Most people experience back problems from time to time and experience pain in the lower back, neck, or mid back. Actually, Back pain is the most common physical complaint in the adult population and a leading cause of temporary disability. Back pain may be mild or severe, and the pain may be short-lived or chronic.

Back pain includes: pain in the muscles and tendons, pain due to herniated discs, fractures or other problems in the back. Most often, the causes have a long history. Most often, back pain is caused by diseases of the spine.

The structure of the spine is designed for extreme loads. The structure of the spine is stable enough for a person to walk (stand) and flexible enough to move the torso.

A healthy spine has an elongated S-shape when viewed from the side and has natural curves in the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine. The spine is the main supporting part of the body. In addition, the spine protects the spinal cord and roots of the spinal cord with its bone structure, thus ensuring the normal innervation of organs and tissues.

Between each of the 24 vertebrae are intervertebral discs that perform a shock-absorbing function.

Causes

Back pain is one of the problems that a person creates for himself. Back problems and back pain are most often caused by bad habits that have accumulated over a long period of time. These bad habits include:

• Poor posture
• Overvoltage during work
• Incorrect posture at a desk or while driving
• Repetitive sprains or extensions of the spine, or irregular heavy lifting.

The results of habits rarely appear immediately, but more often their negative effect accumulates over time. One of the most common types of back pain is pain associated with tension in the muscles surrounding the spine. Most often, back pain associated with muscle tension occurs in the lumbar spine and in the cervical region. If muscle tension is associated with lifting heavy objects, then the pain can be excruciating.

Sometimes back pain occurs for no apparent reason. In such cases, we speak of non-specific back pain. Such pain can develop due to weakened muscles that cannot cope with everyday activities such as walking, flexion, and extension. In addition, such non-specific pain can be triggered by poor sleep, general fatigue, or exposure to a stressful situation.

Chronic pain in myofascial pain syndrome is due to localized muscle tension. Sometimes this localized muscle tension is due to stress or other emotional issues.

Pregnancy is often the cause of the disease and this is due to both hormonal changes in the woman’s body, as well as weight gain and excessive stress on the spine and legs.

Injuries in contact sports, accidents and falls can also cause back problems, ranging from minor in the form of muscle tension to serious ones such as injuries to the spine and spinal cord.

It is important to understand that back pain is one of the symptoms of the disease and is not a diagnosis. Medical conditions that can cause back pain include the following:

Mechanical problems: Mechanical problems are related to the movements of the spine or the sensations that a person experiences when performing certain movements. The most common mechanical cause is degeneration of the intervertebral discs (osteochondrosis), when involutional changes occur in the intervertebral discs and deterioration of the depreciation functions of the discs, which leads to pain. Another cause of back pain is degenerative changes in the joints of the spine (spondyloarthrosis). Other mechanical causes include muscle spasms, muscle tension, and herniated discs.

Trauma: Spinal injuries such as dislocations and fractures can cause both acute pain and chronic pain. Sprains, tears in the ligaments that support the spinal column, can occur from twisting the torso or lifting weights incorrectly. Vertebral fractures are often the result of osteoporosis, a disease in which bone density is impaired. Less commonly, back pain can be caused by more severe injuries that result from accidents and falls.

Acquired conditions and diseases. Many medical conditions can cause or contribute to pain. These include scoliosis kyphosis kyphoscoliosis, which usually does not cause pain until midlife. Various types of arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), spinal stenosis, which affects the nerve roots of the spinal cord. Diseases such as osteoporosis are painless on their own, but can lead to vertebral fractures, which will be manifested by severe pain. Other causes of back pain include pregnancy, kidney infections or urolithiasis, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, which is characterized by chronic fatigue and generalized muscle pain.

Infections and tumors. Although infections are not common causes of the disease, infections can still cause pain. If the bone tissue is affected, then we are talking about osteomyelitis, but if the infection affects the intervertebral discs, then we are talking about discitis. Tumors are also relatively rare causes of pain. Sometimes tumors of the spine are primary, but most often tumors have a metastatic origin and the primary focus is located in another part of the body.

Although the causes of back pain are usually physical, it is important to understand that emotional stress can play a role in both pain intensity and duration. In addition, stress and emotional state can affect skeletal muscle tone. So in the presence of depression and anxiety, back pain can be more intense. In addition, insomnia or lack of sleep can also contribute to the onset or worsening of pain.

Back pain is only a symptom and may be reflected. Many diseases of the peritoneum and pelvic organs can cause spinal pain (appendicitis, aneurysm, diseases of the kidneys, bladder, infections and inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs).

Risk factors

• Age over 40
• Male
• Having a family history
• Presence of injuries in the past
• Pregnancy
• Previous spinal surgery
• Congenital malformations of the spine.
• Lack of regular exercise
• Work or activity requiring long periods of sitting and lifting heavy objects.
• Smoking. People who smoke more often than people who don’t smoke experience back pain.
• Overweight. Being overweight, especially with the accumulation of fat around the waist, can put more strain on the back and tend to have weak muscles and limited mobility
• bad posture. Impaired posture leads to a violation of the distribution of load vectors and to muscle tension, muscle spasm and pain manifestations.
• Stress. Stress and other emotional factors are believed to play an important role in back pain, especially in chronic pain. Many people unknowingly tense their back muscles when they are under stress.
• Condition after a long period of depression.
• Long-term use of drugs (eg steroids) that lead to weakening of the bone tissue.
• Diseases of the lungs leading to chronic cough.

Symptoms

Most people have experienced back pain during their lifetime. There are many causes of back pain, some of them a person creates himself. Other causes include accidents, muscle strains, sports injuries, various diseases. Although the causes may be different, most often they are the same symptoms.

• Persistent pain or stiffness in any part of the spine, from the base of the neck to the coccyx
• Acute, localized pain in the neck, upper back or lower part – especially after lifting heavy objects or during strenuous activity. (Upper pain can also be a sign of a heart attack or other life-threatening conditions.)
• Chronic pain in the middle or lower part, especially after prolonged sitting or standing.
• Pain in the lower back radiating to the buttocks of the leg.
• Inability to stand upright.

But there are symptoms that require medical attention

• Feeling of numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs, as this may indicate damage to the spinal cord.
• Lower back pain radiating to the leg, which may be evidence of root compression (sciatica).
• Pain is aggravated by coughing or leaning forward, which may be a sign of a herniated disc.
• Pain accompanied by fever, burning during urination, which may be a sign of a urinary tract infection.
• bowel or bladder dysfunction
• History of cancer
• Weight Loss
• Long-term use of steroids
• History of trauma
• Increased malaise even after rest.
• Pain that lasts more than a month
• Night pain
• No effect of treatment
• History of drug use

Diagnosis

Due to the fact that the cause of back pain can be various conditions, then, first of all, it is important for a doctor to carefully collect anamnesis and symptoms. Both the localization of pain and the intensity, the presence of irradiation matter. The physical examination includes a thorough examination of the neurological status (reflex activity, muscle strength, sensation, etc.). If you suspect a disease of the pelvic organs, the doctor may prescribe a consultation with a gynecologist, urologist.

Instrumental methods of research

X-ray, as a rule, is not very informative in the diagnosis of spinal pain, especially if there are no severe symptoms. X-rays are indicated for acute major injuries or minor injuries in patients older than 50 years, patients with osteoporosis, or a history of long-term steroid use.

MRI is the most informative diagnostic method and allows high-quality visualization of both bone and soft tissues and allows diagnosing both degenerative changes and tumors or infections.

CT may be recommended to better visualize bone changes.

EMG and ENMG allows to determine the conductivity of nerve fibers and muscles and is usually used in the diagnosis of chronic back pain.

Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity or pelvic organs, kidneys is necessary when it is necessary to differentiate the source of pain.

Laboratory research methods are also used for differential diagnosis of inflammatory diseases or infections.

Treatment

There is no universal treatment for back pain. Treatment of back pain in each individual case depends on both the genesis of pain manifestations and the individual characteristics of the person, since the perception of people varies significantly.

Drug treatment includes the use of various drugs, from conventional analgesics or NSAIDs to muscle relaxants or antibiotics for infections. In chronic pain syndrome, it is possible to use antidepressants, tranquilizers or neuroleptics.

Non-drug therapies such as physiotherapy, massage, manual therapy, acupuncture and exercise therapy have been widely used in the treatment of back pain. These treatments are effective for both acute and chronic pain associated with diseases of the spine.

Our center MRC “Belyayevo” has accumulated extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of back pain using the most modern methods, both diagnostics and treatment.

Why does my back hurt? Back Pain Treatment

Why does my back hurt? A Common Problem – Simple Solutions

Back pain of varying intensity and location affects most people. Pain in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions can be caused by various reasons, but the most common of them is osteochondrosis of the spine. Also, the symptoms of back pain occur due to injuries, in more rare cases, they are a sign of a tumor, an infectious or autoimmune disease.

Most often, people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, who are overweight (which is an additional risk factor for developing osteochondrosis), as well as those who constantly have significant physical activity associated, for example, with weight lifting, complain of back pain. These are the main causes of back pain.

Back hurts a lot: what exactly is the pain?

• The back can hurt in different ways. With osteochondrosis, moderate pulling pain increases with physical exertion, coughing, sneezing, can give to the leg, mimic pain in the heart. In such cases, it is important to consult a doctor so as not to confuse osteochondrosis with angina pectoris and get the right treatment.
• In the presence of an intervertebral hernia, the back may hurt when bending or turning the body, moving, walking. In such cases, sharp pains in the back can occur. The pain can radiate to the legs, sometimes causing numbness in the lower extremities.
• With sciatica, there may also be complaints of leg numbness, itching or burning, pain may radiate to the buttock, thigh, and also intensify when walking and other movements.
• The back can hurt due to myositis – inflammation of the lumbar muscles, which occurs after severe overexertion or hypothermia.
• Another common cause of back pain is sciatica. In this case, pain often occurs in the sacrum, lower back, buttocks, and sometimes in the legs and feet.

If your back hurts all the time, the strength of the pain does not change with movement, does not go away with a change in body position or increases, you should consult a doctor and find out the cause of the pain, as it can be caused by inflammatory and infectious diseases, as well as tumors of internal organs.

How to get rid of back pain?

Depending on the cause of the problem, back pain can be treated in different ways.